Miguel Gutierrez's loyalty to Real Madrid stings Girona financially

Rob Fleming
6 February 2024

Miguel Gutierrez reportedly turned down a lucrative Premier League offer, safeguarding the interests of his former club, Real Madrid, while inadvertently causing a setback for Girona.

While the unnamed English club dangled a substantial €25 million carrot for Girona, where Gutierrez currently plies his trade, the decision not only underscores the player's allegiance to his roots but also sets off a chain of implications for both Real Madrid and Girona.

According by Estadio Deportivo, the January offer was a tempting bid that could have significantly impacted the financial landscape for Girona.

This revelation comes amidst the impressive performance of Girona, who find themselves in a title race with Real Madrid in La Liga. Savinho's confirmed move to Manchester City has already highlighted the European interest in Girona's talents, with Gutierrez emerging as another hot prospect. While Pep Guardiola's Man City have been linked, it's the Arsenal of Mikel Arteta that seem particularly keen on the young Madrid-born left-back.

The 22-year-old's decision to reject the Premier League offer proves to be a stroke of luck for Real Madrid. Having transferred Gutierrez to Girona in the summer of 2022 for €5 million, the parent club retained 50% of his economic rights and included three buy-back options: €8 million in the upcoming summer, €9 million in 2024, and €10million in 2025.

Had Gutierrez accepted the January offer, Los Blancos would have been compelled to match the bid using their right of first refusal, resulting in a €12.5 million payment to secure the player. This strategic move by Gutierrez not only showcases loyalty to his former club but also shields Real Madrid from a potentially costly situation.

However, the decision may not be as favourable for Girona. While Gutierrez's loyalty safeguards Real Madrid's interests, Girona miss out on potential revenue in January, and the possibility of a lucrative sale or a season-long loan evaporates.

Notably, Gutierrez has a €35 million release clause, but if Real Madrid secures him in the summer for €8 million, trading him for a higher amount within the same transfer window becomes prohibited.